IPL 2026 Auction: CSK spent 14.20 crore to buy Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma is a 19-year-old wicket-keeper batsman who plays for Rajasthan in domestic cricket.

A noticeable shift in team mentality was seen during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) auction, held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Teams were observed prioritising young domestic players over experienced names.

Several overseas stars, including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jonny Bairstow, and others, went unsold in the first round, highlighting this change in approach. Franchises focused more on strengthening their squads with Indian batters and bowlers.

Uncapped pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Aquib Nabi Dar, fetched ₹8.2 crore and was bought by the Delhi Capitals. Prashant Veer also made history after being picked up by CSK for ₹14.2 crore, becoming the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history.

However, within less than 10 minutes, CSK made another big move by acquiring Karthik Sharma for ₹14.2 crore as well, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped buy in IPL auction history.

How did CSK acquire Kartik Sharma?

Chennai Super Kings had already signed Prashant Veer for ₹14.2 crore, making him the most expensive uncapped player in IPL auction history. However, in less than 10 minutes, Kartik Sharma’s name came up with a base price of ₹30 lakh.

Mumbai Indians initiated the bidding, with KKR joining in soon after. MI were forced to pull out due to their limited purse, after which LSG entered the fray and pushed the bid up to ₹5 crore before opting out. CSK then stepped into the bidding war.

KKR were reluctant to back down but eventually withdrew, seemingly clearing the path for CSK. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad jumped in and drove the price up to ₹14 crore. Determined to secure the player, CSK placed a final bid of ₹14.2 crore, after which SRH pulled out.

Kartik Sharma was ultimately bought by CSK for ₹14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.

Kartik Sharma’s stats in domestic cricket

Kartik Sharma is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter who represents Rajasthan in domestic cricket. He attracted attention from several IPL franchises primarily due to his performances in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 133 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 160.

Despite having played only 12 T20 matches so far, he has already accumulated 334 runs at an average of 30 and an impressive strike rate of 162. His explosive lower-order batting made him an attractive option at the auction table.

As CSK undergoes a phase of transition, the franchise continues to invest in young talent, and Kartik fits perfectly in that vision. His wicketkeeping ability further adds value, especially with an eye on the future when MS Dhoni eventually hangs up his boots.

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